The congressman smiled as he looked at himself in the mirror to adjust the collar of his pale blue shirt. “You’d be surprised how things can change in a few days, my sweet Carmen.”
~~~
She slipped into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Extending her hand under the water, she hoped it was hot enough to wash the repulsive smell of the congressman off her body. Stripping off the white shirt, she called over her shoulder. “That sounds pretty cryptic, Jimmy.”
“Hurry it up, Carmen. Some of us have important work to do.”
As Carmen stepped into the shower, a wicked smile formed on her face. She mumbled under her breath. “That’s for sure, Mr. Speaker of the House. Some of us have very important work to do. And you will discover too late that I’m very good at what I do.”
~~~
Tessa reached for the alarm clock to check the time. The message light flickered on the phone as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. Still wrapped in the white robe, she retied the belt before gingerly touching the carpet with her toes. Ten o’clock. Pushing her matted curls from her face she retrieved the messages with apprehension.
The first one was from Shelly.
“Hey you. Got your message about heading out early for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Egyptian exhibit at the Smithsonian. I’m off to the Native American Museum and Kate is going to the Air and Space Museum. Several other science teachers got invitations for an escorted tour. Call us and we’ll meet for lunch. Have fun today. I know you love that creepy, boring stuff. Hugs.”
Realizing Enigma had already taken control of her life, she wasn’t all that surprised they’d made arrangements for her friends to be occupied. Hopefully they’d located her uncle and put him under house arrest to keep him from creating a catastrophe of monumental proportions. She’d been warned on the way back to her hotel not to contact her family concerning her uncle. There was no doubt in her mind that all lines of communication were being monitored in case her uncle slipped up.
The next message was unexpected. “Mrs. Scott. This is Dr. Wu. I’ll meet you at 10:30 for coffee in the hotel café. We have some things to go over.”
Sucking in her breath, as her legs stumbled toward the bathroom; she realized the appointment was in twenty minutes.
~~~
The smell of all things baked, filled the air of the hotel café when Tessa rushed in with her heart pounding in her ears from too much exertion in a short period of time. She knew working out needed to be part of her daily routine since she was seeing forty on the horizon. Donuts and a teacher’s lounge thought differently.
The twenty-minute deadline forced Tessa to cut corners in her appearance. Sleeping on wet hair caused the long tresses to curl up above her shoulders. She tried to tame the locks by pushing them back with a narrow headband. It wasn’t enough to keep a curl from escaping down her forehead. A pair of dress jeans, white shirt and a black sweater carried lopsided over one arm made her wonder if she came too casually. At the last minute she’d slipped on some low heels. Everyone in the café appeared to be dressed for a business meeting except one man sitting in a booth near the back.
Navigating through a room with too many tables and chairs, with hands flying up in expressive condemnation or excitement, forced her to pause several times. Shifting her eyes to the man in the booth made her feel like a baby chick cracking open its shell to enter the world.
Once she offered a nod of greeting with a thin smile at him, but the gesture was not returned. A pudgy woman dressed in a leopard skirt and black top suddenly stood up, pushing her chair into Tessa’s hip, causing the notebook and purse she carried, to drop to the floor. The leopard clad woman grabbed her latte and headed out, unaware of the accident.
Tessa bent down to gather up her things, causing her head band to fall off. She blew the wayward curls from her forehead as her hand shoved the band back into place. Another pair of hands joined in clearing the chaos as others walked around her.
“Dr. Wu.” She tried to stand without looking like an arthritic granny when he took her elbow and assisted with a gentle tug. “Thank you. I’m sorry I’m late, but…”
“Shall we sit?” He spoke with patience then guided her toward the booth. She found a Styrofoam cup of coffee waiting for her. The lazy vapor trails lifted from the hot brew as Tessa inhaled, loving the smell of the possibility of rejuvenation.
“Any news of my uncle?” Her eyes searched his face anxious to hear something positive for a change. “He was so distraught last night.”
“Yet he left you to face the Egyptians alone.” His shrug hinted at condemnation as he slipped into the seat across from her. The insult made her bristle. “He led them away from me. My uncle would never jeopardize my safety.”
His narrow eyes scanned the room, just as Zoric’s and Chase’s always did; watching for some unknown threat to appear. He nodded at the coffee. “It’s just like you prefer: three creams and two sugars. And I’m sorry there is no news of your uncle. We found where he stayed for a short time, but after he left you last night, he moved. I believe you already know this from speaking with the director.”
After sipping the brew, she continued to hold the cup so the warmth would seep through her fingers, a habit she’d started in college. “How did you know about the coffee?” Then she shook her head. “Never mind. I assume my life is an open book at Enigma.”
Dr. Wu smiled revealing straight teeth which made his nostrils flair ever so slightly. Creases formed at the corners of his eyes making the cool expression evaporate. “You are required reading. When you tangle with Enigma, my job is to straighten things out.”
“Maybe if I could read some of their files I wouldn’t keep getting into so much trouble.” Another sip of caffeine started the coming awake process. “Are you here to get me up to speed, Dr. Wu?”
His smile remained as he folded his hands on the table. She wondered about his age. With such flawless skin it was impossible to tell. There was youthfulness about him Tessa found distracting. A few hints of long gray hair showed behind his ears.
“No. I’m sorry. I’m here to evaluate your state of mind.”
Taking a deep breath, Tessa sat her cup down and folded her hands before meeting his eyes with steel resolve. After all, what did she have to lose? It wasn’t like she had a choice. When she didn’t say anything further, he eyed her with appreciation.
“You are stubborn.”
“You are correct.” She tilted her head like an inquisitive child. Unaware the look gave her a kind of innocent charm, she watched the doctor lift a notebook lying on the seat next to him. “Do I get an ink blot test or something? I’m sure I can fail if given a chance.”
“That sounds like something Captain Hunter would say. Did he coach you in the art of taunting me?”
“No. I don’t take orders from cavemen. Better write that down, Dr. Wu. I’m sure he’ll find it very amusing.”
“I have a photographic memory. I don’t need to take notes or use electronic recording devices with my—clients. Besides, patient doctor privilege you know.”
“Really?” She felt skeptical as she picked up the cup again. “The notebook is just for show?” Tessa didn’t want to like him but she couldn’t help herself. “I was really hoping you’d tell Chase I think he’s a Neanderthal. Oh well,” she sighed lifting the cup to her lips. “Probably more effective coming from me anyway.” This brought a quiet chuckle, making his shoulders shake as if he were suppressing a larger belly laugh.
“Please. Let me, Tessa. I so love throwing him off guard.”
His smile, although cynical, was infectious. “So do I, Dr. Wu. Go ahead and tell him. I think I’ve already called him that on occasion.”
“Are you in love with the captain?” Dr. Wu was so casual about the question, he could have been asking about the weather.
Tessa choked on her coffee causing a trickle to run down her chin. Grabbing a napkin to dab away the embarrassment, she tried to clear her throat, but
her voice still came out sounding like a frog. “Absolutely not. I’m in love with my husband. Why would you ask such a thing?” Her indignation was evident as she gathered up her things to leave. “Is it because of that little diversion Chase orchestrated last night?” She could feel the color rise up her neck, giving too much away. She blew a wayward curl up out of her eye. “I should have known.”
With the calm of a Black Mamba, Dr. Wu eyed his flustered companion. “What diversion?”
The fidgeting stopped as she shot Dr. Wu a warning look. “Dragging me into that alley and…” Realizing the doctor was unaware of Chase’s physical efforts to distract the Egyptians ended her comments. “It doesn’t matter.”
Her breathing increased just as she felt a vein on her neck begin to pulse. Resisting the urge to touch it was difficult, remembering Chase’s mouth pressed against her skin. She only knew that Dr. Wu continued to exhibit a thin smile of amusement at her awkward attempts to show indignation. “My personal life is none of Enigma’s or your business.”
“I am your therapist…”
“You most certainly are not. I don’t even know you. Why would I tell you anything?”
Dr. Wu nodded but remained calm and unreadable. “I meant no disrespect, Tessa. I’m very aware that you and your husband, Robert is it?” She lifted her chin in defiance as he continued. “You and Robert have a remarkable family. He’s a good provider, father and husband, by all accounts.”
“So why would you ask such a ridiculous question?” She fumed then slid to the edge of the bench.
“Many women find the captain quite charming and…”
“I’m not one of them,” she insisted with a hiss.
“Be that as it may, I needed to ask. The two of you went through some dangerous encounters a year ago, where he saved your life on several occasions. He can be ruthless and unforgiving to those who work for him. Demanding, lethal, risk taker and short tempered have all been used to describe him. And I might add, those are the compliments.”
“I still don’t see why you asked me about my feelings. I’ve experienced a lot of what you just said first hand. Why on earth would I fall in love with someone who feels comfortable killing for a living?”
“Because he saved you from unspeakable torture and even death.”
“And I will be forever grateful. But that doesn’t mean I’m carrying a torch for him. Surely, I’m not the first damsel in distress he’s saved. Do you question them?”
“No. However, you are the first damsel that changed him.” Dr. Wu watched her expression soften as her eyes dropped. His expression indicated he believed something occurred between the two; something deep, hidden from their coping mechanisms.
“I’m grateful. Not in love.” Tessa whispered. “Someday I’ll return the favor, if I can.” Although, that scenario likened to a mouse saving a charging bull elephant. “Are we done?”
Dr. Wu scooted out then reached for Tessa’s coffee. “We’re just getting started. Now, since you are supposed to be getting a tour of the Egyptian exhibit I think we should head in that direction.”
She felt excitement at getting a behind-the-scene tour at the Smithsonian. Guilt moved in knowing she could be so easily distracted from the plight of her uncle. “And you are my escort?”
She stood just inches from the doctor, aware that even he, like the other Enigma agents, possessed a magnetic charm which could turn into an emotional poison.
He handed her his notebook as he removed the one she pulled to her chest. “What is this?”
“The files on Captain Hunter.”
Her eyes widened as she looked down at the closest thing to the Holy Grail she’d ever possess. “Is that even ethical?”
Laying a hand on Tessa’s back to gently move her forward Dr. Wu whispered in her ear. “Absolutely not. If that is a problem for you, I will gladly take back the file.”
“I just might need a few therapy sessions after all.”
Dr. Wu looked smug as he motioned her toward the exit. “I thought in the future we might need each other.”
Chapter 10
T he Prime Minister felt admiration for the Tennessee man sitting across the table. Even though his captive understood the danger surrounding him could end his life without a trace, Jake Wakefield remained relaxed. He funneled a second helping of eggs into his mouth. Gilad respected that not once did he exhibit fear. The old guy might as well have been having breakfast with his hillbilly kinsmen back in Franklin, Tennessee. He knew from experience the man was stalling, trying to connect on a personal level, in hopes of avoiding the death that would eventually occur.
They spoke of hunting, the drought in the Midwest, how he’d built his log home with the help of friends and family. When Gilad inquired about Jake’s niece, Jake made a loud swallowing sound and pushed his plate away. He leaned back into the cushioned chair. The old man’s eyes narrowed as his tongue moved around his teeth to remove any pieces of food before he tried to speak.
“My niece is none of your business.” Jake caught a glimpse of Gilad’s secretary flinch at the sour response.
“She is working for a secret government agency. Did you know?” Gilad couldn’t help but notice how Jake’s body stiffened ever so slightly. “It wasn’t her idea, of course.”
“Whose idea was it?” he snarled leaning forward. “Yours?”
Gilad motioned for David to come forward with a black file folder he carried precariously in his hand. He handed it to Jake then stepped back. “No. Someone named Captain Hunter thought she possessed a set of unique skills.” His smile suggested something tawdry.
“I don’t believe you,” Jake said with a growl. “She’s a school teacher. Not some government whack job.”
The Prime Minister chuckled and motioned his guest to open the file folder. “Take a look before you make too many quick judgments, my friend.”
One corner of Jake’s mouth lifted in a snarl. “I’m not your friend and never will be.”
Gilad nodded and stood. “Understood. While you get reacquainted with your niece, would you like David to bring you anything?”
“How about my rifle?” he snapped through gritted teeth. He proceeded to open the folder.
Smothering a chuckle with a cough Gilad proceeded to leave the room. “Perhaps later, Mr. Wakefield. Take your time. You’re not going anywhere.”
“You’re holding an American against their will.” Turning his head enough to see the prime minister leave the room, Jake noticed David wore a shoulder harness with a deadly looking weapon.
~~~
Gilad walked briskly into his office before stopping at a window. Ari, his body guard, followed at a safe distance, giving the prime minister plenty of room to breathe. Pretending he was just an ordinary citizen of Israel and didn’t need twenty-four seven protection helped in times like these. Staring at the grounds outside, his hands clasped behind his back. Chewing on the inside of his lower lip developed the intense concentration required for his job.
The argument David made earlier, about kidnapping an American citizen on American soil, weighed like a ton of bricks. Did it really border on recklessness or just insanity?
The Prime Minister watched a Mossad agent the night before drag Jake’s unconscious body out of the trunk of an embassy car. He hadn’t been harmed, only disengaged for the ride. Now he sat examining a file on someone he thought he knew. No matter Tessa Scott had been selected as a pawn to find her uncle. His own investigation showed the woman was clueless as to the mess her uncle had stepped into.
By the look on his face, the old hillbilly wouldn’t approve of his niece working for the government. Maybe he could use that to Israel’s advantage. After all, whatever made Israel safer would be justified in the eyes of God. At least that’s what he told himself every time he bent the truth. How much truth should he share with his brother Ben?
Raised in two worlds, America and Israel, Gilad loved both countries, but served the Star of David as his father had for so ma
ny years. The father groomed both his boys for the future: one to serve Israel and one to serve Israel’s interests if the need ever arose.
In his mind, there was no doubt who Benjamin served. He served America and the president. The Enigma Director meant for both to remain safe on his watch. Gilad frowned knowing the brother he loved so dearly might turn against him when he found out his plans.
A tap at the door, another beefy agent named Micah, stuck his large head inside to break Gilad’s concentration. “David says he’s ready to talk, sir.”
“Do you have his rifle?” Micah nodded as he pushed the door open wider for the prime minister to exit. “Bring it to me.” Micah disappeared then returned momentarily with the weapon. Gilad examined it with care, making sure it was unloaded. “I want the Tavor too, Micah.”
“Yes, sir. David isn’t going to like this.” Gilad leveled a dangerous scowl at his bodyguard.
“Right away, Sir.”
Strolling back to the dining room, he entered nonchalantly, holding the rifle over his shoulder as if he’d been out squirrel hunting with the man from Tennessee.
“So how old is this thing? I’ll have to say it’s in remarkable shape.”
Jake was pouring himself a cup of coffee from the buffet as David stood to the side, watching with apprehension. He took a sip of the hot brew and nodded at the rifle. “Belonged to my daddy. Still shoots true. Clean it once a week.” He swirled his words around like a man chewing tobacco.
Gilad removed the rifle from his shoulder and eyed it carefully as if seeing it for the first time. “I used to squirrel hunt with my grandpa in North Carolina.” He extended it to his guest.
Jake couldn’t cover his surprise. “Didn’t know you were an American.”
“Not by birth. My stepmother adopted me so I became an American and an Israeli citizen. In the end I chose Israel as the country to serve. But her father gave me lots of guidance in hunting and surviving.”
The Enigma Series Boxed Set Page 47
